The High Court has adjourned the case of two foreign nationals who were fined 1-point-2 million dollars for bringing undeclared goods into the country.

The two Malaysians, Uhla Thien and Hisham Bin Abdullah were to have made submissions in the Court today as to why they had not paid the fine and to show cause why they should not be sent to prison for failing to pay the fine.

But the lawyer for Uhla Thien had asked for an adjournment to enable his client to pursue his leave application for an appeal.

Thien will be asking the court to allow him to appeal against his conviction and sentence.

The prosecution opposed the adjournment, saying no appeal had been filed within the time frame and no application to extend time for payment of penalty was sought.

The prosecution said both defendants had access to a lawyer throughout and it was only when summons to show cause had been issued that an application for leave to appeal was lodged.

But Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer ruled the matter should be adjourned until after the leave to appeal application has been ruled upon.

The leave application will be heard by a single judge of Appeal.

The matter is adjourned to October 21 for further mention.


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